Gateron Luciola vs. Wuque Studio WS Morandi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi are both linear mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics. The Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching glow in the dark feature, medium heft, and smooth and bouncy typing feel. They also produce a distinct sound profile, reminiscent of a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken." On the other hand, the WS Morandi switches offer an innovative approach to visual aesthetics. These ultra-smooth linear switches have a light column that diffuses light, creating a mesmerizing effect when combined with RGB visuals. The UPE stem provides a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, different from the creamy feel of factory-lubed switches. With a slightly shortened total travel and a long pole design, the WS Morandi switches strike the perfect balance between form and function. When typing, they produce a slightly more muted sound profile. Both switches offer their own advantages, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound often described as clacky. In contrast, the WS Morandi employs a POM top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and relatively more muted sound. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the Luciola delivers a sharper and more pointed sound, while the WS Morandi provides a smoother and deeper tone.
The top housings of the Luciola and the WS Morandi significantly impact the sound produced when releasing a key. The Luciola's INK blend top housing contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a distinct clacky sound upon key release. Conversely, the POM top housing of the WS Morandi lends itself to a more muted sound, allowing for a quieter release. Therefore, users seeking a switch with a more pronounced sound when letting go of keys may prefer the Luciola, while those looking for a quieter release might opt for the WS Morandi.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Luciola and the WS Morandi play a larger role in the sound and feel when pressing a key. The INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola enhances its already clacky sound, emphasizing the higher-pitched and satisfying thin profile. Meanwhile, the POM bottom housing of the WS Morandi contributes to its deeper sound, resulting in a switch with a more resonant and full-bodied typing experience. Both switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, catering to different preferences based on the desired sound profile and tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches, a few notable differences arise. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the exact actuation force of the WS Morandi remains unknown. However, both switches share a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing them within the medium range. This similarity ensures that users can expect comparable results in terms of the overall typing experience when bottoming out the keys.
In terms of weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions, such as when using a keyboard at work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. However, others may prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial and defined typing feel. The presence of a 55-gram actuation force in the Luciola suggests that it leans towards a lighter touch, whereas the WS Morandi's actuation force remains undisclosed.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Gateron Luciola and the WS Morandi differ in known measurements, both switches share a medium bottom out force. This similarity ensures a similar typing experience when pressing the keys all the way down. Additionally, the weight preference between a lighter or heavier switch remains subjective and dependent on individual typing preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, we can see that the Luciola has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Morandi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are prevalent in modern keyboards. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, you may find that the WS Morandi with its slightly shorter travel distance is more suitable for your needs. However, it's important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper keystroke and a more satisfying sensation, the Luciola with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better choice for you. Overall, both switches offer similar results, and the decision between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
The Wuque Studio WS Morandi has an MSRP of $4.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Morandi for $3.90.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is best described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. This means that it produces a sharp, snappy sound with a little squeak and a resonant, high-pitched tone. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch is described as low-pitched, subdued, and thocky. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, a dampened sound, and a deep and satisfying thud or knock when pressed and released. Please note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, it is safe to say that if you prefer a sharper, crisper sound, the Luciola switch would be a good choice, while if you prefer a more muted and bass-heavy sound, the WS Morandi switch would be ideal.
In terms of feel, both switches share similarities. Both the Luciola and the WS Morandi switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Luciola switch is also described as snappy and polished, suggesting a super responsive and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the WS Morandi switch is also described as creamy and silky, offering a silky-smooth typing experience with minimized resistance. These similarities indicate that both switches deliver a highly satisfying and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Luciola and Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switches have some distinct differences in their sound profiles, they both offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The Luciola switch is known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, medium heft, and "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Morandi switch stands out with its unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness, enhanced RGB visuals, slightly shortened total travel, and long pole design. Both switches strike a balance between form and function, providing a medium weight and a satisfying feel. The sound profiles may differ, with the Luciola switch being clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, and the WS Morandi switch being low-pitched, subdued, and thocky. However, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience, both switches will deliver similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and aesthetic features.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Morandi linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences. If you are looking for switches that offer a mesmerizing glow in the dark and a smooth and bouncy typing feel, the Luciola switches may be a great choice for you. These switches have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and a distinct sound profile, described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched. On the other hand, if you prioritize innovative design and visual aesthetics, the WS Morandi switches might catch your eye. These switches have an ultra-smooth feel with a medium weight and a slightly shortened total travel. They also feature a unique dry, airy, and wispy smoothness with a more muted sound profile, described as low-pitched, subdued, or thocky. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and visual aesthetics when making your decision between these two switches.
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